Stair, railing, guardrail, handrail, landing & platform building code & specification FAQs:

Questions & answers about stair and railing code & design specifications & relations to model building codes.

This article series lists all major building code specifications for stairs, railings, landings, and guardrails - information useful for constructing or inspecting indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings, & treads, and for evaluating stairways and railings for safety and proper construction.

We compare stair and railing code requirements for various model, national, state and local building codes and we include explicit text & specifications from those building codes. Page top sketch of stair dimensions courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company [ carsondunlop.com ].

Questions & Answers about Building Codes for Stairs & Railings, Stair Landings & Guardrails

These questions and replies were posted originally at STAIR CODES & STANDARDS the home page for this topic. That's a good place to start reviewing specific stair specifications.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Question: how far outboard of the treads can the handrail be placed?

(May 2, 2015) PaulG said:
From pjg9597@msn.com - On a stairway with a wall on one side and a handrail on the other (overlooking an open hallway), I need to know how far outboard of the treads the handrail can be placed.

We're trying to have a chairlift installed for my disabled wife but have bee told that the stairway clearance when the lift is installed is too narrow. To get the need clearance, we want to move the handrail outboard.

Reply:

Paul,

I agree that installing a chair lift will narrow the remaining stairway width but I'd expect the local building inspector to make an exception and approve the installation unless the stair were flat impassible.

If you mean pushing the stairway handrailing and guardrail on the open side out past the outermost edge of the stair treads I have never seen that specified.

My *opinion* is that if a guardrail and thus handrail as well were moved laterally to one side past the edge of the stair tread you would create a trip hazard if a foot can enter the space between the edge of the stair tread and the bottom of the guardrailing

. Therefore you could probably push the handrailing out as far as you want (and as far as the space allows) if simultaneously you increase the width of the tread to close what would otherwise be an open space.

Bottom line, I would not make any change at all before asking what your local building code inspector will approve.

Let me know what you are told and we'll take it from there. Also use my email at our CONTACT link at page bottom to send photos of the stairway - that may permit further comment.

Also see our discussion of chair lifts along stairs at inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Stair_Lifts.php

Question: required distance between bottom rail of stair railing and the stair tread

(May 2, 2015) Patty G said:
We are installing a double stair railing, where the spindles are in the bottom rail, not the stair trend. What is the required distance between the bottom rail and the stair trend? Thank you in advance.

Reply:

Patty

In the stair code articles listed in the article above see BALUSTERS for Guards & Railings for details about the spacing requirements between and below balusters - do ask away if after seeing that questions remain.

Question: handdrail question at brick steps

(May 23, 2015) Rick H. said:
Hello, I have an exterior set of brick stairs. There are 6 individual steps in the stairs. When climbing the stairs, the door handle will be on your right side (as you ascend).

There is currently no hand rail installed on either side of the stairs. My questions are as follows:

1. Is a hand rail required for this installation? I live in Georgia, and I see MANY homes in my area with no hand rails.

2. If a hand rail is required, is it required on one side of the stairs, or on both sides of the stairs?

3. If a hand rail is required, would the hand rail also require a lower rail, and balusters, to prevent someone from fitting between the hand rail vertical supports?

Thanks,

Rick

Reply:

Yes on both sides if both sides are open unless the 6 steps have a total rise less than that specified in the Georgia code (typically 3 ft).

Question: rails on rooftop deck in Texas

(June 17, 2015) Anonymous said:

I am building an outdoor dock with upper deck for roof. I am in Texas, not inside any city limits, will not have to deal with an inspector. I am having issues with my HOA Architectural Committe. I want to install cable rail for less obstruction of view from yard.

ACC says concerned about safety (want me to use 2x2 wooden pickets).

(1) Is there any reason for such concern (what can I use to disprove) ?

(2) Are there any codes that speak of horizontal spacing instead of vertical ballusters?

I see plans with them and pictures of commercial buildings but have not found any code reference to horizontal guard rail members.

Reply:

Anon:

I agree with your HOA that horizontal railings of any kind, and more-so cable railings, are less child-safe than vertical balusters, though a specification of 2x2 inch balusters seems unnecessary to me; more important is the free opening space between them.

In the ARTICLE INDEX found near the end of this page you'll find details about balusters as well as railings and an article dedicated to cable railings.

Question: minimum height of top rail of stairway

(Sept 15, 2015) Anonymous said:
minimum height of top rail of stairway

Reply:

HANDRAIL CODES & OSHA HAND RAIL SPECS

Question: handrails for temporary / portable stairs to a stage

(Sept 22, 2015) Anonymous said:
I'm in California and I was wondering if the handrails for a temporary/portable stair to be used to access a 2'-0" high stage would have to follow the requirements of the CBC (per 1133B.4 and 1012.5), i.e. 12" extension at the top of the stair and tread width + 12" extension at the bottom of the stair?

Reply:

Great question, I don't know. Considering the risks I would certainly put strong handrails in place. It costs almost nothing.

Anon: re California temporary stairs:

I don't know and haven't seen an explicit code citation on handrail extensions on temporary stairs. YOu could look to OSHA's guidelines for temporary stairs in the workplace for some good suggestions. I suspect that what your building department will want depends on who is using the stairs. Public vs. private/maintenance, and accessibility requirements for the handicapped.

Question: number of attachment points for railings different for a timeshare condo?

(Sept 23, 2015) Dan said:
What is code for the number of attachment points for an interior stairway railing within vacation apartments? This is for a timeshare resort. Railing will be about 10 feet.
Thanks

Reply:

I cannot imagine any reason (nor code provision) that would reduce the security of a handrailing or guardrailing because an apartment is time-share rather than single owner occupied.

(Sept 25, 2015) Dan said:
I only mentioned the specific application of vacation apartment if there should be a difference from a private house for some reason.

My question remains: is there code provision for # of attachment points for an interior residential stairway railing about 10' long?
The stairway is fully enclosed.
Thanks

Mod replies:

The answer doesn't change. The codes don't specify the number or spacing of attachment points but rather focus on performance; the rail has to be able to withstand the specified loads.

Question: can the handrail alternate sides and still meet code?

(Oct 8, 2015) AY82 said:
If I have standard sized, indoor stairs, can the handrail alternate sides and still meet code? The stairs have a wall on either side until the last 4 stairs, which are open on the left side.

My intention is to have a handrail extend down the left side, and then when the stairs open up, have the handrail then pick up on the right side. Additionally, is it acceptable to have the last 4 stairs open on the left without any railing or balusters that would close it in?

Reply:

Perhaps your local inspector will approve this rail design, though in my OPINION it could be awkward for some stair users.

Question: My home owners insurance is requiring me to build a deck and stairs, or they will not continue to insure me

(Oct 22, 2015) Meghan said:
I recently bought a fixer upper in WI. The garage has a second floor that was used to raise carrier pigeons back in the 50s and 60s.

There are two doors, one at either end. The front door has stairs and a deck, however the back door does not. My home owners insurance is requiring me to build a deck and stairs, or they will not continue to insure me

. The issue is that the door overlooks the alley.

The garage itself is only about 3 feet from the paved alley. I've been looking but can't find a code that states how far from the alley a deck must be. If I build something that is to code, the garbage trucks will hit it! Any assistance would be appreciated. Thank you!

Reply:

You raise the right questions but I'd expect better luck checking with your building department on clearance requirements for where you live.

I'd also want the building checked for biological / pathogenic hazards considering its use to raise pigeons.

(Oct 22, 2015) Meghan said:
I'lol be sure to do both. Thank you

Question: . Is it ok to leave the last 4 steps open while the rest of the stairs are enclosed by a wall and handrail?

(Dec 15, 2015) Foran said:
AY82: 4 open steps.

I have the same issue. I just bought a condo in NY and as I was replacing the carpet I removed the old metal handrail that enclosed the bottom 4 stairs. It looks great without it on there but I'm not sure if that's a legal move. Is it ok to leave the last 4 steps open while the rest of the stairs are enclosed by a wall and handrail?

Reply:

No it's not OK. Let me elaborate in two ways.

1. A user may not need handrails along stairs until she is slipping, tripping, falling. Then it's not ok as she cannot have an opportunity to arrest the fall or even to reduce its severity by grasping a handrailing.

2. It is not likely to be considered code compliant by your local building inspector.

Question: requirement for the number of nails in the top riser which is attached to the header

(Jan 8, 2016) tmauti@gnmlawyer.com said:
I want to find out if there is a requirement for the number of nails in the top riser which is attached to the header in a suspended residential basement staircase.

Is there a code requirement for the number of nails required in the top riser? and code requirement for the top two studs being naild to the stringer?

Reply:

TMauti

As you are pursuing a legal matter you are welcome to contact us do discuss consulting by email - using the page bottom CONTACT link. Your question - at least how it's phrased, is in danger of obtaining a too-narrow and basically indefensible answer.

There are indeed nailing schedules specifying nail size and number, but the type of fastener used could change that detail.

Question: ok to run a gutter along stairs?

Feb 12, 2016) roman said:
is there a restriction on running a gutter on side of a stairs?

Reply:

Roman I don't understand the question. If by gutter you mean roof drainage or even a surface water drain, those topics don't address stair construction.

If you mean water may flow down the stairs themselves in some conditions, that doesn't sound smart.

Question: bullnose that is above flush at the leading edge of the stair tread

(Feb 24, 2016) Bob said:
Can a stair tread in a residence have a bullnose that is above flush at the leading edge of the stair tread

Reply:

Bob I don't understand the question, perhaps you can send me a photo or sketch using our email found at the CONTACT link below.

It seems to me that a stair tread nose would not normally protrude above the horizontal walking surface of the tread, though I've indeed seen some add-on anti-slip stair tread products whose nosing may be slightly elevated with an anti-slip material.

Normally the stair tread is expected to project beyond the face of the riser below.

Question: how to add a handrail along a 13-step stair

(Mar 2, 2016) Danna said:
Hi, we refinished(painted) stairs in a house we bought in Amherst NY. there is 13 stairs, there was small handrail on one side of stairs which was basically two flimsy pieces of wood and another across that was supposed to be handrail.

Now we want to put handrail, and need to know if there are some guidelines to follow: height of handrail, space between nawel posts.

We want to do stainless steel cable,and what is the max spacing between cables.I have seen online cable systems with 3in spacing, and I dont like it,I would put no more than 4 cables on each side. Is there required space between posts? I don't know where to look! We are doing it ourselves, as we are on tight budget. Thank you! Danna

Reply:

Sure Danna

At the More Reading section just above see the ARTICLE INDEX and you'll see several articles on handrailing height, spacing, strength requirements &c. Take a look and don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions.

Be sure to see these two articles in particular

inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Handrails.php

inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Railing_Codes_Specifications.php

Question: Does my unfinished third floor/attic have to have a handrail installed?

2016/04/22 TAMMI FARNSWORTH said:
Does my unfinished third floor/attic have to have a handrail installed?

Reply:

OPINION:

Tammi

"Have to" is under the legal authority of your local building code inspector whose word is law.

But in general, a space in a home that is not intended for normal human habitation (sleeping, reading, etc.) may not be required to have handrails, though a code inspector might have a different view depending on the nature of the space.

I suggest that a handrailing is a good idea on ANY stairway as it can significantly reduce the chances of a fall & injury, and as the cost is close to trivial for the handrail and mounting brackets.

A pre-shaped and attractive oak (fancier than you need) 8-foot handrail section is less than $70. at a typical building supplier. A 16 ft. handrail is less than $150. It is also possible to fabricate an acceptable handrail out of other materials that may be cheaper.

Handrail brackets to attach a wood hand rail to the wall (mount at wall studs with screws of adequate size & length) are about $3.00 each.

...

Continue reading at STAIR CODES & STANDARDS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see CODES for STAIRS & RAILING, FAQs-2 - more-recently posted questions and answers about stair, tread, and railing codes

Or see these

Recommended Articles

BUILDING CODES for STAIRS - home
• STAIR CODES & STANDARDS - home
• STAIR CODE DETAILS
• ATTIC STAIR CODES & HAZARDS
• CABLE RAILING CODES, OPENINGS, LADDER EFFECT
• HANDRAIL CODES & OSHA HAND RAIL SPECS
• HANDRAIL CODES - GRASPABILITY
• STAIR TREAD DIMENSIONS
• MODEL & SPECIFIC BUILDING CODE CITATIONS FOR STAIRS & RAILINGS

Suggested citation for this web page

CODE DETAILS for STAIRS & RAILING, FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to STAIRS RAILINGS LANDINGS RAMPS

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